Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.
EZEKIEL 32:18KJVWhat does Ezekiel 32:18 mean?
Ezekiel 32:18 is a command from God to Ezekiel to mourn for Egypt and to declare that Egypt and other powerful nations will be brought down to the lowest depths of the earth, joining those who have already perished. The verse uses strong language to show that Egypt’s downfall will be complete and that it will share the fate of other nations that have been judged.
In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man,” and instructing him to “wail” or lament for Egypt’s people. The setting is a prophecy against Egypt, warning that Egypt, along with other once-famous nations (“daughters of the famous nations”), will be brought down to “the nether parts of the earth,” a poetic way of describing the grave or the realm of the dead. This is part of a series of prophecies where Ezekiel announces judgment on nations that opposed Israel.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:18
- “Wail” (נָהָה, nāhāh): This word means to mourn or lament loudly, often in response to disaster or death. Here, it emphasizes the seriousness and sorrow of Egypt’s coming judgment.
- “Multitude” (הָמוֹן, hāmôn): This word refers to a great number of people, highlighting that it is not just Egypt’s leaders but the whole population that will face this fate.
- “Nether parts” (תַּחְתִּיּוֹת, taḥtiyyōt): This phrase means the lowest or deepest parts, often used for the underworld or grave. It stresses how far Egypt will fall.
- “Pit” (בּוֹר, bôr): This word is often used for a grave or a place of destruction, reinforcing the idea that Egypt will join others in death and defeat.
Why Ezekiel 32:18 matters
- Ezekiel 32:18 clarifies that God’s judgment is not just for individuals but can come upon entire nations, no matter how powerful or famous they are.
- The verse connects Egypt’s fate to that of other nations, showing that no earthly glory can protect against divine judgment.
- This verse helps the reader see the larger context of Ezekiel’s prophecies, which often use vivid imagery to warn nations about the consequences of pride and opposition to God.